Apple Intros New PowerBooks, Wireless Keyboard
In his keynote address at Apple Expo 2003 in Paris, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled long-awaited updates to the 15-inch PowerBook, as well as a new wireless keyboard and mouse combination.
All PowerBooks were given a speed boost, but the 15-inch offering now features the same aluminum enclosure and lighted keyboard found in the 17-inch model. "2003 has been 'the year of the notebook' for Apple," said Jobs.
The 12-inch PowerBook now features a 1GHz G4 processor, while the 17-inch runs at 1.33 GHz. Sitting atop Apple's PowerBook dynasty, the 17-inch model includes USB 2.0 and support for up to 2GB of 333 MHz DDR RAM.
But the 15-inch PowerBook has received the biggest overhaul, now running at up to 1.25 GHz. AirPort Extreme is included on the top model, as well as 512MB of 333 MHz DDR RAM and a 80GB hard drive. All 15-inch models include FireWire 400 and 800, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet and a Radeon 9600 with 64MB of RAM for graphics.
"With its speed, widescreen display, connectivity and ultra-light aluminum enclosure, the new 15-inch PowerBook G4 sets the bar for professional notebooks even higher," said Jobs in a statement.
PowerBook pricing starts at $1599 USD for the base 12-inch model, or $1799 USD with Apple's SuperDrive DVD writer. The 15-inch PowerBook at 1 GHz runs $1999 USD sans SuperDrive or backlit keyboard, while the 1.25 GHz model with both is available for $2599 USD. The enormous 17-inch PowerBook is offered at $2999 USD, $300 less than its predecessor.
Along with the PowerBooks, Apple announced a wireless keyboard and mouse that utilize Bluetooth. The peripherals support frequency hopping to ensure flawless connectivity at a range of up to 30 feet, in addition to 128-bit encryption for security. The keyboard and mouse are available now for $69 USD each.
Jobs in his keynote also reaffirmed that Mac OS X 10.3, code-named Panther, would ship before the end of the year, but did not offer up a specific release date. Panther build 7b68 was recently seeded to developers as Apple nears a final candidate release.
"We are going to keep innovating because that's what we love to do," said Jobs.